Friday, August 14, 2009

Blood Bowl Review

Blood Bowl is really the only game that I'm currently playing, but it is definitely one of the best I've played recently. For those of you who don't know the origins of the game, it was originally a board game developed in the 80's. It is set in the Warhammer Universe, so the available races include fantasy stalwarts like Orcs, Humans, Dwarves, and Elves, with more interesting ones like the rat-like Skaven and the Chaos.

From these races you get to build a team and play American-style football in a turn-based structure. A unique concept and wonderfully executed. My personal favorite team is a Lizardmen one based on brutal defense and a quick strike running attack. With this approach I am able to out muscle the small teams and dance past the stronger ones.

Gameplay is kept interesting through large amounts of luck. Winning comes down to 50% luck and 50% skill. So there will be games where nothing goes right and your normally sure handed player will fail at picking up the ball for multiple turns and then the next game will see you pulling off miracle plays. It can become frustrating at times when players are getting injured and dying left and right, but overall it helps to even the playing field.

Due to time constraints, I have only been able to get two online matches in (1-0-1) and the difference of playing another person is readily apparant. Playing against the computer is easy and repetitive, but that all changes online. The two opponents I've played against have been quality guys and fair players. I'm definately looking to get some more play time in the coming weeks.